Kings County Teams with Chevron Energy Solutions To Cut Utility Costs, Save $12 Million

HANFORD, Calif., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kings County and Chevron Energy Solutions today announced completion of a transformative solar and energy efficiency program expected to reduce energy costs at 23 sites within the County. The program added solar photovoltaic panels mounted on parking shade structures at the County Government Center and Hanford Library, replaced Data Center and Health Administration air conditioning units, upgraded irrigation systems at three locations, and retrofitted lighting fixtures with energy-efficient lamps and ballasts at 21 sites.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120918/CG76119)

The program is expected to cut Kings County's electrical utility purchases by 12 percent at its Government Center and 67 percent at Hanford Library; and reduce carbon emissions by more than 670 metric tons, equal to removing about 131 cars from the road.

This work marks the third phase of a sustainability program that Kings County embarked on with Chevron Energy Solutions in 2004. In phase one, Chevron Energy Solutions installed 10 microturbines, of 60 kilowatts each, to generate power onsite from natural gas at the County Government Center, along with a 175-ton chiller running on the waste heat from the microturbines. Phase one also included installing energy-efficient roofs on four buildings at the Government Center and an energy-efficient chiller at Hanford Library. Phase two, in 2008, included an 1,100-ton central cooling and heating plant, thermal energy storage system, new energy management system and energy-efficient lighting for the Government Center.

The three phases combined are expected to save the County $12 million over the life of the program at County facilities in Hanford, Armona, Avenal, Corcoran, Kettleman City, Lemoore, Stratford, and at Burris and Hickey Parks.

"Kings County's sustainable energy future is brighter thanks to Chevron Energy Solutions and its commitment to seeing this project to completion, bringing in the necessary partners such as Hyundai Heavy Industries, Bank of America and Southern California Edison to help provide energy-efficient equipment, project financing and incentives," said Larry Spikes, County Administrative Officer of Kings County. "We are grateful to all the teams involved for their dedication in enabling Kings County to realize the benefits of solar energy without compromising the budget."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system, and will perform operation and maintenance services. The company also implemented energy efficiency improvements to County heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting systems, which are expected to reduce the County's annual energy consumption, improve lighting quality and aesthetics, reduce maintenance costs and provide consistent indoor climate quality.

"We are proud to join forces with others, like Kings County, who share in our quest of sustainability and energy conservation," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations in Kings County – one we believe will allow the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting resource allotment."

The program completion will be commemorated today at noon during a dedication ceremony in the courtyard in front of the Administration Building of the Kings County Government Center (1400 West Lacey Boulevard) in Hanford. County government, business and community officials are expected to participate.

As the solar panel manufacturer on the project, Hyundai Heavy Industries is also expected to present a check totaling $10,000.00 to the County, as part of its Hyundai Community Outreach Program. This contribution will provide funding towards the County Sheriff's K-9 unit and Friends-of-the-Library Fund.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. public sector and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities. Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies.

About Kings County

The County, located approximately 220 miles south of San Francisco, was created in 1893 from a section of Tulare County.  In 1908, one hundred square miles of territory were added to the County from Fresno County, bringing the County's total area to approximately 1,391 square miles.  The County is bordered by Fresno County to the north, Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties to the south, Monterey County to the west and Tulare County to the east.  There are four incorporated cities in the County: Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran and Avenal.  The City of Hanford serves as the County Seat.

The County provides a wide range of services to its residents including: regional services such as probation, medical examiner, jails, elections; health, welfare and human services such as mental health, senior citizen and child welfare services; provides basic local services such as planning, parks, libraries and Sheriff's patrol to the unincorporated area, libraries to incorporated cities by request; and provides roads for the unincorporated area of the County.

Contact:
Ken Pimental, Chevron Energy Solutions, 415.733.4673

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions